Apprenticeship

***2009 Apprentice Applications***

 

We will be accepting applications for the 2009 training year

August 21, 2008 thru September 12, 2008.

 

Applications can be obtained from the following Alaska Operating Engineers/Employers Training Trust locations during the hours of 8:30 am and 11:30 am and 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm:

 

Anchorage:

900 W. Northern Lights, Suite 200, Anchorage, AK

(800) 460-5044

 

Palmer:

1415 Local 302 Road (Located at Mile 1.1 Palmer/Wasilla Highway),

Palmer, AK

(907) 746-3117

 

Fairbanks:

3002 Lathrop Street, Fairbanks, AK

(907) 456-5421

 

Juneau:

9309 Glacier Highway, Building A, Suite 102B, Juneau, AK

(800) 478-9551

 

(You can also request that an application be mailed or faxed to you)

 

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RETURNED OR POSTMARKED BY SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. (See below for required documents).

Indentured Apprenticeship – Indentured is defined by Webster’s as a contract binding a person to work for another for a given length of time, as an apprentice to a master.

An Alaska Operating Engineer Apprentice is not indentured to one master or employer, but to the Training Trust.  An apprentice signs an agreement binding him or her to the rules and regulations of the Training Trust.  An apprentice operator or mechanic is required to work 6,000 hours on the job and service oilers are required to work 4,000 hours on the job. The length of time averages between 3 to 6 years for an apprentice to complete the program.

Apprentices receive a percentage of journeyperson wages starting at 60% and progressing to 100% through their agreed to program.  During this time the apprentice must attend job related training and instruction consisting of a minimum of 432 unpaid hours. These hours are in addition to the on the job training required. If an apprentice fails to attend or receives poor grades, the committee may cancel the apprenticeship agreement. Apprentices are subject to be transferred from employer to employer to guarantee proper training.

 

                   

(2004 Apprenticeship Class Photos)

 

There is no doubt many are drawn to the Apprenticeship program because of the wages and benefits, however you need to be aware of some of the other expectations that come with the job.  The average hours worked by Operating Engineers is between 1200 and 1600 hours per year, equating to three to ten months of employment per year. Weather conditions often stop a majority of the work during the winter months. Another consideration is that it is common to work away from home, requiring you to stay in a camp and in some cases you will be required to find your own lodging.  In addition, this trade takes you outside in all types of weather, sometimes requiring you to work in adverse and hazardous conditions.

Before making your decision to become an apprentice you must take into consideration the above situations and ensure that you are willing to make the commitment, for apprenticeship is not about today, it is about your future.

The basic qualifications are listed below:

  1. Must be at least 18 years of age. (17 for school to apprentice)
  2. Be a high school graduate or have a certified equivalency (GED).
  3. If selected, Mechanics and Service Oilers are required to have the minimum necessary tools (based on the list provided) when they arrive for training.
  4. If selected, must pass pre-indenture and random drug testing.
  5. You must furnish the JATC with copies of the following at the time of application:
    1. Copy of Birth Certificate
    2. High school diploma and transcripts, or GED grades and scores
    3. Copy Social Security Card
    4. Copy of discharge papers (DD214) – if a Veteran
    5. A $30.00 non-refundable application fee (Check or Money Order only)
    6. Valid drivers license with a 3-year driving record that shows no DUIs in the past 3 years.

·         If selected, must have Alaska license by start of Apprenticeship

·         Applicants living in rural Alaska (without road system), please contact our office.

Optional/recommended items include letters of recommendation, trade school certificates and resume.

Applications for apprenticeship are available once a year, usually in late fall; please contact your local office for further information.

If you are selected to become an Operating Engineer Apprentice, some of your responsibilities include diligently and faithfully performing the work of the trade and other pertinent duties as assigned by the employer in accordance with the provisions of the standards.  To respect and protect the property and equipment of the employer and abide by the working rules and regulations of the employer and the AOE/ETT.  Regularly attend and satisfactorily complete the required hours of instruction in subjects related to the trade, as provided by the local standards. To maintain such records of work experience and training received on the job and in related instruction as may be required by the AOE/ETT.  To develop safe working habits and conduct yourself in such a manner as to assure your own safety and that of your fellow workers. To work for the employer to which you are assigned and to conduct yourself at all times in a credible, ethical, and moral manner, realizing that much time, money and effort is spent to afford you an education and training as an Operating Engineer.

This trade has been around for many years and while the above guidelines may seem extreme, through the years you will understand the pride and integrity that has gone into the Apprenticeship Program and why so much will be expected of you.  YOU are the future of this trade.

 

Back to Home